# Dudley Carston — Armed with Madness character guide > Dudley Carston in Armed with Madness by Mary Butts. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Carston, Mr. Carston, Mr. Tracy, Tracy, old Tracy, old Mr. Tracy, Clarence Carston, Clarence **First appearance:** 0002-armed-with-madness ## Snapshot A visitor drawn into a circle obsessed with a recovered cup and spear, Carston listens, judges, and finds his skepticism tested by people who behave as if myth were happening. ## Who they are Carston arrives among Scylla, Picus, Felix, and their set as an outsider whose ordinary assumptions keep colliding with their talk of the Sanc-Grail, wells, and psychic birds. He is at once repelled and fascinated, disliking them yet granting them an uncomfortable respect as Felix pours out confidences he cannot quite decode. His baffled, revising consciousness becomes the reader's way into the group's dangerous blend of superstition, desire, and self-invention. ## Relationships ### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner) _psychological_ Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic. ### [Picus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/picus) _rivalry_ Dudley and Picus are locked in a competitive, antagonistic struggle over Scylla's attention and the group's direction. ### [Felix Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/felix_taverner) _friendship_ Dudley and Felix share a bond of mutual respect and camaraderie, often acting as allies in their chaotic social circle. ### [Ross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/ross) _friendship_ Dudley and Ross are close companions, frequently interacting with easygoing banter and shared adventures. ### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/lydia) _social_ Dudley and Lydia are acquaintances within the same social circle, interacting politely but without deep connection. ### [the doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/the_doctor) _professional_ Dudley consults the doctor for medical or psychological advice, maintaining a formal patient-practitioner relationship. ### [Phil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/phil) _friendship_ Dudley and Phil are friendly but not deeply involved, interacting as part of the larger group. ### [Nanna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/nanna) _social_ Dudley and Nanna have a casual acquaintance, likely through shared social gatherings. ### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner) _psychological_ Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic. ### [Scylla Taverner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/scylla_taverner) _psychological_ Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic. ### [Picus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/picus) _rivalry_ Dudley and Picus are locked in a competitive, antagonistic struggle over Scylla's attention and the group's direction. ### [Ross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/ross) _friendship_ Dudley and Ross are close companions, frequently interacting with easygoing banter and shared adventures. ## In the story ### [Armed with Madness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/armed-with-madness) Central protagonist who arrives at the house, becomes involved in the group's activities, and experiences a crisis leading to flight and return. ### [Armed with Madness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/armed-with-madness) A volatile member who suffers a breakdown and attacks Scylla, later led away by Picus. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/ii) The American visitor who is expected to arrive today; Scylla is to meet him at Starn. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/iii) The American visitor, feeling out of place and struggling to connect with the group. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/iii) A tall, dark man who kisses Scylla's hand goodnight. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/iv) Reconsiders his strategy toward Scylla and the group, deciding to stay to gain power over them. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/iv) Noted as doing all the work while Picus claimed illness, and as someone who fights for Picus out of fear. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/v) Feels desire for Scylla, observes Picus and Clarence, struggles with his role in the group. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/v) Dreams of Picus and the grail; feels shy and ill-adjusted, worries about being seen through. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/vi) Struggles to interpret Scylla's words and his own desires; participates in the Grail discussion at tea. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/vi) Agrees with Felix about bad drawing; is mentioned in relation to Picus's despair. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/vii) Feels protective of Scylla during the storm, later becomes jealous and suspicious after hearing a whistle outside her door. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/vii) Uneasy and petulant during the storm, plays the gramophone, later shows jealousy and self-pity regarding Picus. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/viii) Carston is taken to Starn and resents its life; he is bored and upset, and Ross suspects he may be used as a tool for trouble. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/viii) Clarence is mentioned as someone Picus is afraid of and who might be affected by Picus's actions. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/ix) Plods alongside Clarence, grows angry and envious of Picus, suspects Picus of deliberately misleading them, and feels a mix of hatred and grudging acceptance. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/ix) Leads the group at one point, worries about Picus, wets a handkerchief for Picus's head, and follows Picus out after the confrontation. ### [The Search for the Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/x) Feels physically well despite inner turmoil; desires Scylla more; becomes jealous of Picus; considers rescuing Scylla as a claim on her. ### [The Search for the Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/x) His room is full of frivolities; Carston pities him without humor. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as a potential threat to the secret cove and as the subject of the cup mystery. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xii) Discovers the cup in his room and becomes paranoid, accusing others of trickery. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xii) Hides his face in pain as Picus chatters, escaping into a grey land of suffering. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xiii) The target of Picus's trick; Scylla considers talking to him and wonders if there will be a train for him to leave. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xiv) Packs and leaves the house, reflecting on his experience and feeling a mix of elation and unresolved curiosity. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xv) Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his experiences at Gault House and engages cautiously with Mr. Tracy. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xv) Appears in Carston's dreamlike vision; part of the group's dynamic. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xvi) Returns to the house, apologizes to Scylla, hides in the attic during Mr. Tracy's visit. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xvi) Refuses to manage Picus, slips away to warn him, mentioned in Scylla's rebuke. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xvii) Consumed by jealousy and paranoia, he imagines Picus betraying him and wanders off with his gun, petting phantoms. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xvii) Listens to Scylla's discourse, feels spiritual upset, and thinks they all need to get out of the house. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xviii) Skinning rabbits with Nanna; speaks of a broken heart and wretched feelings. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xviii) Does not know how to greet Picus; notes the adventure as complicated and boring; observes the group's private griefs. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xix) Carston observes the approaching storm with Scylla, helps haul lobster pots, and lies awake listening to the gale, feeling both awe and unease. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xx) Observes the household dynamics, plans to leave for Biarritz, and reflects on Scylla's love. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/xx) Yawns during Felix's outburst, plans to go to the cottage to prevent damp. ### [Felix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/felix) Mentioned as a comparison; Felix wonders if his American friend is 'another Carston,' reflecting his limited understanding of Carston's character. ### [Picus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/picus) Picus worries that his own actions caused Clarence's decline. ### [Picus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/picus) Picus resents Carston and fears he will take Scylla. ### [Scylla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/scylla) Mentioned as a former romantic interest of Lydia and a current friend of Scylla. ### [Carston](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/carston) The protagonist, traveling to Tambourne and reflecting on his journey and the cup. ### [Lydia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/lydia) Recipient of Lydia's letter; possibly planning to marry Scylla. ### [Clarence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/clarence) Alone at his cottage, Clarence experiences profound fear, rage, and a breakdown, destroying a model ship meant for Scylla. ### [Mr. Tracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/mr-tracy) Carston confronts Mr. Tracy about the cup, seeking factual information but sensing evasion. ### [In and Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/in-and-out) Consults the vicar about the cup and his love for Scylla; experiences a state of wonder and moral clarity. ### [Clarence and Scylla](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/clarence-and-scylla) Clarence is in a violent, obsessive state, having tortured a clay statue of Picus and shot a gull; he threatens Scylla and shoots arrows at her. ### [Carston and Clarence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/carston-and-clarence) Travels to Tollerdown, confronts Clarence, rescues Scylla, and drops the cup into the well. ### [Carston and Clarence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/chapters/carston-and-clarence) In a violent, delusional state; shoots Scylla and is tricked into dropping the cup into the well. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters/dudley_carston - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/armed_with_madness_se/characters